Safe haven: the role of social support and community inclusion in fostering leelings of belonging in a homeless shelter
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study explores the role of community participation and social support networks in the daily lives of ten men in a homeless shelter. Shelter residents developed relationships among one another in order to recreate their spoiled identities into meaningful conceptions of self, based on a sense of belonging and purpose within the shelter community. Perceptions of solidarity within the shelter acted to counter feelings of social exclusion and generated a sense of commitment to the group. An unintended consequence ofthe shelter community has been the reluctance of residents to maintain independent living away from the shelter. This research highlights how these men have created their own place to belong, revealing the human side of shelter life, characterized by acceptance and companionship. The associations developed are creative and collaborative survival strategies allowing the men to negotiate and navigate their conditions of homelessness.
Description
Bibliography: p. 146-153.
Includes a copy of Ethics Review form. Original with original copy of Partial Copyright Licence.
Includes a copy of Ethics Review form. Original with original copy of Partial Copyright Licence.
Keywords
Citation
Bell, M. (2011). Safe haven: the role of social support and community inclusion in fostering leelings of belonging in a homeless shelter (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/4016